♫ Rihanna | B-

For anyone who disliked the dark and depressing route Rihanna took with her last album, no need to worry, the bright and pop-driven Rihanna is back. Her fifth studio album entitled Loud is a completely different kind of album, full of a wide variety of songs ranging from mid-tempo ballads to upbeat pop songs.

The album can be described as confident, fun, flirty and downright naughty. Songs like "What's My Name (feat. Drake)" and "Raining Men (feat. Nicki Minaj)" show a fun side to Rihanna's style. On the other hand, songs like "Skin" and "S&M" take a more adult approach, with very sexually charged lyrics like "The mood is set, so you already know what's next/TV on blast, turn it down, turn it down/Don't want it to clash, with my body screaming now/I know you hearin' it, you got me moaning now." Then, of course, there are songs perfect for the club atmosphere such as "Cheers (Drink to That)" and Only Girl (In the World)" which add to the star's diversity.

One of the best songs on the album would have to be "Man Down." The reggae-influenced track gives listeners a feel that hasn't been present on a Rihanna album since her debut album, Music of the Sun. With powerful lyrics, the song gives off an island feel and a nice flow.

While some of the ballads are lyrically impressive, they are not the highlight of the album. Her ballads seem melodramatic, even though they are vocally better than most that the artist has done. "Love the Way You Lie Pt. II" is a fitting continuation to the original version of the song that resides on Eminem's album. Part II has Rihanna singing the woman's point of view, and Eminem adds a good balance to the song's entirety. As good as it is, though, the dramatic background sounds seem unnecessary.

While the vocals of Loud can be a bit overbearing at times, the album is fun and filled with well-produced songs. Rihanna definitely has another hit album on her hands.